A mum has spoken of her gratitude after discovering her trade union are to replace medical equipment stolen from her daughter.

The West Lothian Courier told two weeks ago how thieves had callously stolen an insulin pump needed by diabetic teenager Caitlin McPhillips.

And at the time her mum Leona, a domestic at St John’s Hospital, said she was deeply upset by the theft of the device which regulated insulin in Caitlin’s system and meant that the 16-year-old didn’t need to inject herself.

But now Unison have stepped in and say they will replace the £2800 equipment and pay for its insurance.

And Leona, who lives with Caitlin in Boghall, said she is delighted that the union have intervened.

She said: “I’m a member of Unison and I know that in some circumstances they will pay for things like this, so I approached them and asked for their help.

“I was told at the end of last week that there would be some news for me soon and on Tuesday I was told officially that they will be replacing the pump for Caitlin.

“They have been absolutely fantastic and I’m so grateful to them for this. Caitlin is delighted too.

“It will be such a weight off my mind to know she has this and doesn’t need to worry about the injections.”

Branch secretary of the Lothian Health branch of Unison, Mick McGahey, said the union were happy to help when they heard what had happened to Caitlin.

He said: “One of the local stewards e-mailed us and told us that the pump had been stolen and made a request to the branch to help.

“The family are low-paid workers and asked for our help, and we felt this was something that we should do.

“We will now meet with Caitlin’s parents to discuss the arrangements.”